Jack and I spent most of our active duty military time assigned to the same units. This was very unusual back then. The Chinook helicopter unit we were assigned to deployed to Vietnam in March 1967 and was known as the "Pachyderms" . We were in Vietnam until April 1968.

About 10 years ago some former unit members organized a reunion. Jack and I attended the first reunion and annually after that. It was held in many locations, often around Army bases on the East Coast. We had a great time as we renewed friendships from 40 plus years ago. Jack attended the last reunion in June of this year. The travel was very hard on him this time, but he wanted to make the trip.

Our group shown a lot of concern and compassion for Jack and I think this was part of the reason he would put aside his discomfort and make the trip.

Garry Ledbetter, our group leader, and asked me what the Pachyderms could do in Jack's memory. He suggested a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. I talked this over with Dona and she thought this was a great idea.

An email to the Pachyderms was sent out and donations from the group collected. The group collected $300 that was sent to the Wounded Warrior Project in Jack's name.

I'm sure this brought a smile to Jack's face!

Thanks to all my Pachyderm brothers.

Mike McDonnell

Dona, Britton, and Taran,

Our deepest sympathy and love goes out to the three of you.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Jack was such a strong and courageous fighter!  He will be missed by so many people.

Dona and Family,
I will always remember Jack from my days in the Medium Helicopter Repairer Course at Paine Field. He was a great instructor and it was my pleasure to have known him. You have my deepest sympathy and may god be with you in these most difficult days and weeks ahead.

Dona, Britt and Taran,
I am so very sorry about Jack. He was such a great person. I have some very fond memories of Jack at Paine Field and Fort Lewis. And of our many, many vanpool trips back and forth to Fort Lewis. Jack always had such great stories to keep us all entertained on those very long commutes. One memory that I will never forget is the day that we stopped at the Ft. Lewis mini PX one morning. I was the driver that day and I didn't know Jack got out. I asked if we had everyone and Baldwin told me yes so I went on to work. When we get there, we realize no Jack! So I dropped everyone off and immediately went back to the store. No Jack! I looked all over the store and the parking lot and couldn't find him anywhere. So I went back to work and found out that he called and someone else went to pick him up. When I asked him why he didn't wait for me to come back, he told me that he didn't think we would notice that he was missing. We laughed about that for awhile. Thank goodness Jack was such an easy going guy and had such a great sense of humor.  Thank you for sharing all of your great pictures with us. May all of the great memories and stories about Jack bring you comfort in the difficult days and weeks ahead. Jack touched so many people.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dona,Britt,Taran,So sad to of here the news about Jack. We will remember all the
good days riding our dirt bikes making new trails eating lots of dirt, and coal dust. The best part of riding was finishing at the old #9 tavern with cold beer. the good times, RIP Jack.

Dona and Family, 

I enjoyed having Jack aboard at the Flight Facility through the years.  I knew he could be depended upon to provide quality workmanship.  I am sure those same characterisitics will make him sorely missed by his family.  He fought his health challenges with great courage.  Our thoughts go with you all.

Jack was as fine a flight engineer as ever flew.  He was one of three or four who were the heart and sqoul of the old 92nd ASH Hookers flight operations crew chiefs.  Flying with Jack was always a pleasure and those flights and the good times m.surrounding them are among my most cherished memories of the"the goods old days".  Hal Thornton. Hooker 13

Dona, Britt and Taran-My deepest condolences to you all.  It has been awhile since we have seen each other and have great memories of all our motorcycle trips to Cle Elum.  Jack will be missed deeply.  You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Dona and Family
I feel so fortunate to have known Jack over the years. He had a great sense of humor and was so easy to talk to. He fought a long hard battle and did it with such courage. He is definitely someone to admire. I know there is nothing one can say to ease the pain you are all going through but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Savor all your memories and know he will always be with you in spirit. Always, your friend. Pam Campbell

So sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.The Hammett family.

Dona and family,
I had the pleasure of flying with Jack on many occasions in the  old 92nd, and he was without a doubt one of the best crew chiefs in the business.  i always knew that if I drew him as chief, I could not only count on a great flight/aircraft, but I could also count on having a great time.  If I'm not mistaken, I think he was along with me on a couple of flights that fortunately are well outside the statute of limitations...at least one to central Oregon comes to mind.  
My best thoughts to you and your family in this difficult time, Jack was a special guy, and I feel privileged  to have known and worked with him.

Best regards, 

Clark Stahl

Donna,
Jim and I feel blessed that we were able to spend time with you and Jack at the last army reunion in Charleston.  Jim will miss Jack very much, he has always spoken of great affection for his friend and military buddy. We know that this is a sad time for you and your family but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We look forward to talking to you soon, take care Donna.....

You were an amazing Dad, Husband, and my favoritist uncle! You were a stellar man Jack Aring and at long last the pain is gone! I will always hold a place in my heart for you. Much love to you Dona, Britt, and Taran I am so sorry for your loss!

I  will remember Jack for his wonderful stories and the positive  positive attitude he kept through the years of his illness.  He will be really missed by everyone who knew him.

Uncle Butch, will Miss you sooooo much.  Donna I love you both.
Lorrie Barnes (Joelton, TN)

Jack was a valued member of the Pachyderms and as responsible as anyone for the company being one of the most respected Chinook units in the Vietnam War.

Dona, Brit, and Taran and family, I'm so sorry about the loss of Jack. I remember a lot of get-togethers with our families as "us kids" were growing up. I always looked forward to seeing Jack, because I thought he was "so cool!" I'm praying for God's provision and strength for you all.

We're so sorry to hear about Jack's passing.  May the memories you share with your family and love ones help you get through this difficult time.  Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you.  Don and Nancie Silves

Jack,  What a great brother-in-law you were. I sure am going to miss you. You were always entertaining to be around, never knew what you were going to say or do.
The one bright side to you being gone is that you are no longer in pain. You suffered more than anyone should have to. I will see you again.
Love you Jack!

Jack was a great Pachyderm, a man who loved his country and his family.   Our reunions with him will have to wait until we will all see him again. Joe Boxley

Loved seeing all of the pictures of Jack and family. He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face when we served in Nam way back in 67-68 with the Pachyderms. My deepest condolences are extended to you Donna and your loving family. Jack will forever be in our memories until we are all reunited once again in Heaven. God Bless you all...Bob Floyd ( Ft Worth, Texas )

I wish I could do more for you than just share a memory or two about you here on facebook. You are a most honorable individual for what you did at work and with your life.

Dona, Britt and Taran, Our hearts go out to you all with Jack's passing. Thinking of you and wishing we could be there with you. Enjoyed the photo album of your life together. Love,Randy & Barb

Dona and Boys,

I am so sorry about Jack. I remember him as a kick in the pants!
These are such beautiful pictures for you to have. Thank you so much for sharing with us.  I pray that you will have God's comfort to see you thru this awful time.
With Love,
Joan M

My our Lord be with you Donna and your family at this time of your loss. Jack was a fellow soldier and patriot in Vietnam and he will be sorely missed.

Dona,
Great photo album. It's nice to see all the different sides of Jack. I only knew the Army one from the reunions. Our best to you and our deepest sympathy.
Garry and Kathy Ledbetter

god bless you all will miss him lots of old memorries bill fraser

Dona,  
I am truly sorry for your loss.  I'm sorry I only got to meet Jack once, but I know how much he meant to you and your family.  He will always be with you as long as you have those special memories of your life together.  Take care of each other.

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow.
God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times. Psalms 91:2.  May you find  the needed strength from God, family and friends.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Jack Aring

28 juin 1945 – 11 août 2013

Weller Funeral Home

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